By Zhang Xin & Tian Jietang, Research Department of Innovation Development, DRC

Research Report, No.134, 2020 (Total 5878) 2020-6-3

Abstract: China’s digital economy is developing rapidly, whereas the overall social-economic digital transformation is still lagging behind that of developed countries. Europe is one of the most important sources of digital technology and an application market for China as well as the first region in the world that experienced digital transformation. Most European Union (EU) member countries have established relatively sophisticated digital transformation policy systems, and among them some have set up special agencies for promoting digital technologies. The EU digital transformation strategies and policies including single digitalized market and platform supervision have a strong binding and guiding force on member countries. In terms of 5G layout, the EU cyberspace security framework that is steadily advancing and planned to be completed in 2020 will exert important impacts on technological adoption and network construction of EU member countries. With regard to the building of smart cities, EU policies focus on adapting to localized and customized demands and supporting backward areas for promoting balanced development. Based on research findings collected from field surveys in several EU member countries, this paper gives a systematic analysis on the progress and experience of the EU in developing digital economy and illustrates relevant enlightenments and policy options for China.

Keywords: digital economy, 5G layout, cyberspace security, smart city